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Government Ready™:
Certified Federal Government Supplier
 

Groundbreaking Education and Certification Program Elevates Small Business Contracting Opportunities
 

LINKS:  Introduction  |  Value of Certification  |  Levels of Certification  |  Quality of Leadership  |  Register to receive additional details

The National School of Government Contracting™ has established a groundbreaking education and certification program that raises the standards and preparedness of small businesses seeking access to government contracts.

"We are thrilled to lead this groundbreaking effort to advance opportunities for small business through the founding of the National School of Government Contracting and oversight of the Government Ready™: Certified Federal Government Supplier certification program," says Margot Dorfman, CEO of the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce. "It is important that small businesses have a recognizable standard for preparedness to seek and secure government contracts. This important certification will assist acquisition professionals as they gage the preparedness of small businesses. And, it will assist capable small businesses to set themselves apart," continues Dorfman.

What is "Government Ready™" Certification? 

A groundbreaking education and certification program provided by two of the leading national trade associations for small businesses under the leadership of the National Procurement Council and the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce. The "Government Ready™" education and certification program provides a clear path for small businesses seeking to prepare and position their businesses for federal contracting opportunities. 

The "Government Ready™" program addresses preparedness and success drivers from entry to advanced levels providing quality opportunities for businesses of all experience levels. 

By securing "Government Ready™" certifications and displaying the logo, a small business owner communicates clearly to federal contracting professionals that their business is serious and knowledgeable of the details and intricacies of government contracting.

Go here to view the three levels of "Government Ready™" certification.  [TOP]

What is the value of "government ready" for your business?

"Government Ready™" provides two clear values for your business:

First, you receive top-tier education from real inside experts in government contracting who know what it takes to be successful in the government marketplace. 

Second, through leveraging the quality of the "Government Ready™" certification in your communications, you distinguish your business to government contracting professionals . Placing the "Government Ready™" certification in your company materials and your government capabilities statement shows government professionals your commitment and knowledge of the federal marketplace.  [TOP]

Levels of Education and Certification:

"Government Ready™" education and certification has three levels as detailed below:
 

Level I: [Three day training.] This level provides a thorough base level of understanding for doing business with the government. Topics will mainly focus on pre-award procedures and will include the following:

• Outline of the Federal Acquisition Regulations
   
• Contract Methods & Requirements to Advertise - Micro-Purchases, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, Sealed Bidding, Negotiation, Request for Quotations, Invitations for Bid, Request for Proposals, Commercial Items/Services, FEDBIZOPPS & various types of synopses
   
• Competition Requirements - Full & Open Competition, Full & Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources, Other than Full & Open Competition, Small Business Programs, latest policies related to obtaining competition
   
• Mandatory Sources - Priorities for use of government supply sources, Federal Prison Industries, etc.
   
• Contract Types & Risk - Level I provides a brief overview; more detail is provided in Level II 
   
• Specifications - Design Specifications, Performance Work Statements
   
• General Contract Requirements - Determinations of responsibility, labor laws, bonding, Cost Accounting Standards
   
• Marketing to the Government - The basics of building awareness and respect for your business
   
• Subcontracting & Pursuing Subcontracting Opportunities
   
• Business Ethics & Conflicts of Interest

Level II: [Three day training.] This level is intended for those who have received Level I certification and have a basic knowledge of federal contracting rules and procedures. Topics will mainly focus on post-award procedures and will include the following:

• Contract Modifications
   
• Government Property
   
• Quality Assurance
   
• Claims & Disputes
   
• Termination Procedures
   
• Contract Types & Risk
   
• Technical Proposal Writing
   
• Cost Proposal Writing

Annual Certification Maintenance: A minimum of 10 hours of approved credits are required each year to stay current and maintain certification. These courses include: Teaming/Joint Ventures, Hot Issues & Buying Trends, Government Contracting Regulatory Highlights, Roundtable Discussion, etc.  [TOP]

Quality of Leadership

A groundbreaking education and certification program provided by two of the leading national trade associations for small businesses - The National Procurement Council and the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Under the professional quality leadership of Gretchen McCracken, federal government small business contracting insider and highly regarded educator, the Government ReadyTM education and certification program provides a clear path for small businesses seeking to prepare and position their businesses for federal contracting opportunities.

The National Procurement Council (NPC) and the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce (USWCC) came together to provide a much needed program to prepare and position small businesses for federal contracting success. 

Through providing a very high quality education and certification program, NPC and the USWCC have made it possible for small business owners to have a trusted partner in education/preparation and a respected certification that will assist well-prepared small business owners to position their businesses as "Government Ready™" - - prepared and ready for federal contracting.
 

 [TOP]

© 2007-8 National Procurement Council and U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
 

Get Started. Earn Your Certification.

Get Started. Earn Your Certification.

The Next Level One Certification Class to be held on June 2, 3, & 4, 2008 in Fairfax, Virginia.

Register online for the June 2008 class here.

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